A Helpful Guide to Choosing the Best Live Streaming Solution

live stream
You've got some great live content ready to deliver to your eager audiences, and all that remains is to select a publishing location for your live stream.

Should you use popular social live streaming platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live, or should you look into more advanced, and possibly even paid, options? It can be difficult to research live streaming platforms because there are so many factors to consider when looking for the best solution for you or your business. However, once you've determined which features you require and which you don't, choosing the best live streaming solution becomes much easier.

What Features to Consider When Choosing a Live Streaming Solution

To start a live-stream, all you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Meanwhile, the company doing the live streaming will require hardware, network connectivity, and, in many cases, software solutions capable of integrating video content into the platforms they intend to broadcast on.

Even though it is common knowledge that live streaming platforms are able to broadcast live video over the internet, it is not always clear what other features are provided by the service. Which features should you anticipate having access to without any additional cost when using a live streaming platform? Which feature set currently serves as the standard benchmark for similar products? Which of these features do you think might be useful to you as a customer?

The Basic Features of a Live Streaming Solution

The majority of these features are automatically included with most live streaming solutions, whether they are free or paid for. You can expect these features to be included by default, but we still advise you to verify this information before deciding on a solution.

Automatic VOD archiving

Live streams are automatically recorded and stored in your media library as on-demand video (VOD). On live streaming platforms, HTML5 players are used. All-screen, all-device, and all-browser video player. In general, most live streaming platforms make it a point to ensure that their player is fully functional on all devices, across all platforms, and supports the most recent video containers and codecs. Analytical foundations The number of viewers, basic engagement, and impressions are all expected to be high.

Commenting

Most live streaming platforms offer some form of live chat and viewer interaction. This allows viewers to provide feedback and comment on the content in real-time, which encourages engagement and provides an enhanced viewing experience.

Third-party encoder support

Almost all services accept streams from third-party encoders (RTMP URL + stream key). Some may even be integrated with specific encoders for a more convenient connection.

Some Advanced Features You Should Look for in a Live Streaming Solution

To gain access to these features, you must generally be using one of the paid live streaming platforms. They can help drive business and create a highly personalized, seamless user experience.

Monetization

Although there are numerous ways to make money live streaming using free live streaming platforms, these monetization methods are frequently integrated with the live streaming platform. We're talking about the ability to:

• Set up a paywall and create playlists and bundles with limited access. This is ideal for those who want to sell online video lessons and premium content creators. 
• Manageable advertisements. To run your own ads or insert third-party ads during your stream, use player- and server-side ad insertion (SSAI). Never see competitor ads while streaming. 
• Monetize using OTT solutions (meaning, stream to Roku, Apple TV, Chrome-cast, and similar services)

White label and customizable players

A "white label" player allows you to customize the player window with your own branding. Change the colors, add logos, and add or remove feature buttons to personalize the design. There will be no mention of the streaming platform's logo.

Embeddable stream player

Embed the video onto your homepage. Reduce the dependence on other live streaming platforms.

Multi-stream to Social media

Direct multi-streaming to one or more social media channels (in addition to your main stream). Some live streaming solutions have a feature that allows you to re-stream your video to many different social networks at the same time. Many live streaming platforms also enable you to share highlights of your live stream on social media in real-time.

Advanced analytics

Integrate Google Analytics and get live, post-event, and social statistics, as well as engagement and duration graphs. Determine who watched your stream, where they watched it, and why.

Privacy control

Set up secure streams for internal enterprise communications, password-protect your streams, and define the list of allowed domains and countries.

API and SDK

Developer-friendly API infrastructure and a mobile SDK are among the crucial features. Many live streaming platforms offer tools for integrating live streaming into a wide range of cloud video applications, services, and digital media workflows.

Summarize

When selecting a live streaming platform, consider which of the above features are absolutely necessary and which can be skipped. When planning large events, be especially mindful of how many people will be present and for how long. Understanding your event statistics (number of events to be hosted, viewership, stream duration, and so on) will assist you in selecting the best paid package.

If you are unfamiliar with these figures, you can always conduct some research on similar events or try going live on a free live streaming platform. Even basic analytics provided by most platforms today will assist you in gaining a better understanding. Finally, paid live streaming platforms provide greater control over the viewer experience, whereas free platforms are ideal for testing out new live streaming ideas and gaining organic social exposure.